Swansea City’s new trialist, Sotiris Papagiannopoulos, is already a ‘big named’ signing, but how does he compare to other Premier League players with the longest of names? Former Manchester United, Arsenal and Hull City players also feature.
Sotiris Papagiannopoulos
Papagiannopoulos, who will train with the Welsh side this week, is being considered as a possible addition to a weakened defensive line-up since the departure of Ashley Williams to Everton. The central defender, however, is unable to sign a contract Swansea until January – which may be a relief to commentators and shirt manufacturers alike. But the 23-lettered named defender could join a short-list of the longest-named players in Premier League history.
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst
Feyenoord coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Fondly referred to as Gio, the former Netherlands international, who has 106 caps and 22 letters to his name, was signed by Arsenal FC from Glasgow Rangers FC in 2001. Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s time in England was hampered by injuries and arguably his best form came after a transfer to FC Barcelona. Gio ended his career in 2010 after a three-year spell with his first club Feyenoord FC, a club that he has managed since 2015.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson
The player who joined Manchester United FC at the tender age of six is officially named Cameron Jake Borthwick-Jackson, but known with the absence of Jake. The 19-year-old left-back is currently spending his season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in the EFL Championship in search of greater first team experience. Cameron Borthwick-Jackson qualifies for this list due to his 10 Premier League appearances for Manchester United in 2015-16 and his 23-letter name.
Kévin Théophile-Catherine
Kévin Théophile-Catherine in action for St Etienne
Frenchman Théophile-Catherine experienced just one season in the top flight, consisting of 28 appearances in the Premier League during Cardiff City’s 2013-14 campaign. The £2.1 million signing from Rennes was soon returned to France after relegation – initially on loan – before permanently signing for current side Saint-Étienne. With 23 letters, Kévin Théophile-Catherine makes the top 5.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink
Quite possibly one of the more interesting footballer’s names in recent times, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink enjoyed prolific spells in Dutch and Scottish football, notably with FC Twente and Celtic FC, before a move to the Premier League with Hull City saw him score just three goals in 31 games during the 2009-10 season. The 23-letters originate from an amalgamation of two prestigious 17th-cenury families in his homeland.
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